China beat Australia 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16) - duration 1:03
30-Aug, start time: 17:30, end time: 18:33 - Attendance: 2,200Asian powerhouse China demolish Australia
No surprise in pool D of the World Championship so far. Tournament favorite China won their opening match against the inexperienced team of Australia in straight sets. Although Australia gave their best they could, but were not able to block and defend the quick Chinese attacks. In front of 2,200 spectators in the Mehrwecksporthalle in Leipzig, Australia was not able to make 20 points per set. Australia started playing surprisingly powerful in the beginning of the first set against favorites China. After a weak start by the Chinese team, especially Hao Yang and Suhong Zhou made the crucial points to take a clear lead. After leading 10-6, China played out their superior techniques and the opponents did not stand a chance. China grabbed the set with 25-12.Like in the first set the Australians fought hard at the beginning of the second set and managed to take the lead. The set continued to be very close, because the players from Down Under refused to give up. But China proved to be more stable and took the set with 25-18. The third set started equally. After the second technical time out, China broadened the gap between the two teams but Australia tried to stay close all the time. In the end China's expertise brought the set home at 25:16.For China, this match was a nice warming up. Coach Zhonghe Chen was able to use all of his 12 players. Ruirui Zhao was with 12 points the leading scorer on the Chinese side, while Yuehong Zhang made 11 points. On the Australian side, Tamsin Barnett equaled Zhao with scoring 12 points.China will face Brazil on Saturday in the first real clash of this event. Australia will play against Greece.